P0615 Starter relay circuit malfunction

P0615 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Trouble code P0615 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormal (compared to the manufacturer's specification) voltage in the starter relay circuit.

What does the fault code mean P0615?

Trouble code P0615 indicates that the vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM) has detected abnormal voltage in the starter relay circuit. This means that the voltage in the circuit controlled by the PCM is not within the specified specifications provided by the vehicle manufacturer. If the PCM detects that the starter relay circuit voltage is too low or too high compared to the set value, it stores trouble code P0615 in its memory and the Check Engine Light on the vehicle's instrument panel illuminates to indicate a problem.

Possible reasons

Some possible causes of the P0615 trouble code:

• Starter relay fault: Problems with the starter relay itself can cause abnormal voltage in its circuit. This may include corrosion, contact wear or mechanical damage.
• Problems with wiring and electrical connections: Loose or broken wires, corroded contacts, or poor electrical connections can cause incorrect voltage in the starter relay circuit.
• Battery or alternator problems: Battery or alternator problems can cause unstable voltage in the vehicle's electrical system, including the starter relay circuit.
• Malfunctions in the ignition system: Ignition system problems such as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils can cause unstable voltage to be applied to the starter relay circuit.
• PCM malfunctions: The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) itself may be faulty, causing the starter relay circuit voltage data to be misinterpreted.
• Problems with the ignition switch: Problems with the ignition switch can result in an incorrect signal being sent to the PCM, which in turn can affect the starter relay and cause P0615.
• Problems with the ground: Improper grounding of the electrical system can also cause abnormal voltage in the starter relay circuit.

To accurately determine the cause, it is recommended to carry out diagnostics using a vehicle scanner and check the condition of all related components and wiring.

What are the symptoms of a fault code? P0615?

Symptoms for DTC P0615 may vary depending on specific conditions and vehicle characteristics, some possible symptoms include:

• Difficulty starting the engine: One of the most common symptoms of starter relay problems is difficulty starting the engine. The engine may be difficult to start or may not start at all.
• Problems with idle: If the starter relay is not functioning properly, engine idling may be affected. It may be noticeable that the engine is running erratically or unevenly.
• Check Engine Light Appears: Trouble code P0615 activates the Check Engine light on the vehicle's dashboard. This is a warning that there is a problem with the engine management system, and its activation may be one of the first signs of a problem.
• Poor power quality: You may experience erratic instrument panel readings, such as flickering indicator lights or instrument movement, which may indicate a power problem.
• Problems with other systems: A voltage imbalance in the starter relay circuit can also affect the operation of other electrical systems in the vehicle, such as the lights, ignition system, or radio.

How to diagnose a fault code P0615?

The following steps are recommended to diagnose DTC P0615:

1. Scan error code: Use a vehicle scan tool to read the P0615 error code from the PCM memory. This will allow you to determine what exactly caused this error to appear.
2. Checking battery voltage: Check the battery voltage with a multimeter. Make sure the voltage meets the manufacturer's specifications. Low battery voltage may be the cause of the P0615 code.
3. Checking the starter relay: Check the starter relay for damage or corrosion. Make sure the contacts inside the relay are in good condition and not oxidized.
4. Checking wiring and electrical connections: Carefully inspect the wiring, looking for broken or damaged wires. Also check the condition of the electrical connections, making sure they are clean and secure.
5. Ignition system and battery diagnostics: Test the ignition system, including the spark plugs and ignition coils, to ensure they are operating correctly. Also check the condition of the generator and voltage regulator.
6. Checking the ignition switch: Check the ignition switch for proper operation. Make sure it transmits the signal to the PCM correctly.
7. Additional tests: Depending on the results of the previous steps, additional diagnostics may be required on other components of the vehicle's engine management system and electrical system.

After diagnosing and identifying the cause of the P0615 code, perform the necessary repairs to correct the problem. If you are unsure of your skills or cannot determine the cause of the problem, it is best to contact a qualified auto mechanic or service center.

Diagnostic errors

When diagnosing DTC P0615, the following errors may occur:

• Skipping Starter Relay Test: If you do not pay enough attention to checking the starter relay, you may miss the root cause of the P0615 code. Failure to closely examine the condition of the relay may result in missing corrosion, wear, or other damage that may be causing the problem.
• Incorrect checking of wiring and electrical connections: Improperly diagnosing wiring and electrical connections can result in missing broken or damaged wires or faulty electrical connections. It is necessary to carefully check all wiring for damage and ensure reliable connections.
• Skipping Ignition System and Battery Tests: Malfunctions in the ignition system or improper operation of the generator can also cause the P0615 code. Skipping testing of these components may result in incomplete diagnosis and faulty repairs.
• Misinterpretation of scanner data: Sometimes the data received from a car scanner may be misinterpreted or incomplete. This may lead to an incorrect determination of the cause of the P0615 code and incorrect repair.
• Skipping Ignition Switch Test: The ignition switch plays an important role in transmitting the signal to the PCM. Skipping testing it may result in missing the problem that it is not working properly.

To avoid these errors, it is important to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis, taking into account all possible causes and systems that affect the operation of the starter relay and the generation of error P0615.

How serious is the fault code? P0615?

Trouble code P0615, indicating abnormal voltage in the starter relay circuit, can be serious because it directly affects the ability of the engine to start. If the starter relay is not functioning properly due to a P0615 code, the engine may have difficulty starting or may even be unable to start. Moreover, it may also affect the operation of other vehicle systems, which may render it unusable.

Therefore, it is recommended that you take this error seriously and diagnose it as soon as possible to resolve the problem. If your vehicle is having problems starting the engine or operating the electrical systems, it is recommended that you contact a qualified mechanic immediately for diagnosis and repair.

What repair will help eliminate the code? P0615?

Resolving the P0615 trouble code will require identifying and correcting the root cause that caused this error, some general repair steps:

1. Replacing or repairing the starter relay: If the starter relay is defective or damaged, you need to replace it with a new one or repair the existing one. This may include cleaning contacts, removing corrosion, or replacing damaged components.
2. Repair of wiring and electrical connections: Check the wiring for damage or breaks. If necessary, replace damaged wires or repair electrical connections. Make sure all connections are secure.
3. Replacing or repairing the ignition switch: If the ignition switch does not send a signal to the PCM correctly, it may need to be replaced or repaired.
4. Checking and replacing the battery: Make sure the battery is in good condition and has enough voltage to start the engine. If necessary, replace a weak or faulty battery.
5. Additional repair actions: In some cases, additional repair work may be required, such as replacing sensors or voltage regulator, depending on the problems found during diagnosis.

It is important to contact a qualified auto mechanic or service center for diagnosis and repair. He will be able to pinpoint the cause of the P0615 code and perform the necessary repairs to resolve it.

How to Diagnose and Fix P0615 Engine Code - OBD II Trouble Code Explain

P0615 – Brand-specific information

Trouble code P0615 indicates a problem with abnormal voltage in the starter relay circuit, specific to various makes and models of vehicles. List of some car brands along with their definitions for trouble code P0615:

1. Volkswagen (VW):
   • Trouble Code P0615 – Starter Relay Circuit Malfunction.
2. Ford:
   • P0615 – May indicate problems with the starter relay circuit.
3. Chevrolet:
   • For Chevrolet, this code may refer to starter relay circuit problems.
4. Toyota:
   • In the case of a Toyota, this may indicate a problem with the starter relay circuit.
5. Honda:
   • P0615 – Starter relay circuit malfunction.
6. BMW:
   • For BMW, trouble code P0615 may be related to a faulty starter relay circuit.
7. Mercedes-Benz:
   • In Mercedes-Benz, this may indicate problems with the starter relay circuit or other related control systems.
8. Audi:
   • P0615 – Starter relay circuit malfunction.
9. Hyundai:
   • For Hyundai, this code may refer to problems with the starter relay circuit.
10. Nissan:
    • In the case of Nissan, this may be due to a faulty starter relay circuit.

Each manufacturer may have some specific nuances, but in general, the P0615 code indicates problems with the starter relay circuit. For accurate diagnosis and repair, it is recommended that you contact an authorized service center or qualified mechanic.